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aja

Thank you for bringing attention to this largely ignored population of people. As a provider in forensic mental health settings, it is frustrating to consistently encounter a lack of support, funding, and awareness of mental illness as it intersects with the criminal justice system. The mentally ill can be victimized by this system. New York City has mental health diversion courts but the agencies that provide services and/or treatment for the individuals within them are grossly underfunded. If you are interested, please see: http://www.eacinc.org/p-nycTASC.htmSupport these programs - they work and support people with mental illness, along with their families and loved ones!

Community health programs work! My brother, who is schizophrenic, has participated in a program on Long Island for many years. With their help he lives independently in a shared apartment, attends a daily program which gives him support and a social life, and is hospitalized, rarely, when depression overcomes him. Before my mother found this program my brother was living in the street, desperately unhappy. He is now very grateful for the life he has.

Leonard I think it would be good to bring up is that alot of people that are mentally ill end up being drug addicts. In the case of my sister...once she started taking her medication after FINALLY being diagnosed...quit drugs. she did not crave it anymore...it is very physical..so essentially we are jailing people vs diagnosing and helping them. Ask yourself which costs more?

I know this may not be appropriate for the air, but please find a way to let Mrs. Carter know that I have long been an admirer of hers. I thought she was a tremendous First Lady and that, like her husband, she has led an exemplary life of public service since their years in the White House. I thank them both.

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